Samsung and Apple Going to Include Wireless Charging Technology

Samsung and Apple Going to Include Wireless Charging Technology

Following the steps of Nokia, LG Electronics and HTC, Samsung Electronics and Apple are expected to add wireless charging capability to their flagship models in 2013, according to industry sources.

Samsung is expected to adopt Qi wireless charging technology run by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) for its next flagship model, the Galaxy S IV, the sources indicated.

However, the Galaxy S IV may not come with embedded wireless charging capability. Instead, users are required to buy replacement back covers for their smartphone for access to a charging pad, the sources indicated.

Apple is likely to adopt the wireless charging technology developed internally, but it remains unknown if the next-generation iPhone will come with built-in wireless charging capability or with other attached accessories, said the sources.

However, Samsung's adoption of the Qi standards may drive the technology to become mainstream for smartphones, outperforming those promoted by the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) and Power Matters Alliance (PMA).